Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for mayor of New York, left a rally in Manhattan on Friday amid backlash from demonstrators who accused him of anti-Semitism. They demanded he denounce Hezbollah and Islamic law.
While a drum played in the background at Foley Square, a demonstrator, wearing a backwards cap, shouted, “Blame Hezbollah!” Mamdani and his team seemed to move in rhythm with the angry chants as they approached a waiting black SUV. “Blame Sharia Law. Blame it. You can’t blame it. You can’t blame it, you bastard!”
The situation nearly escalated into violence as protestors clashed with someone from Mamdani’s team, prompting the SUV to leave quickly.
Earlier, Mamdani had attended a rally supporting New York Attorney General Letitia James, who was recently indicted on mortgage fraud charges involving her property in Virginia.
Running as a Democrat, Mamdani describes himself as a “democratic socialist.”
Throughout the campaign summer, he faced repeated calls to condemn Palestinian terrorists and distance himself from the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which many see as inciting violence against Jews rather than just Israel.
In a recent Meet the Press appearance, Mamdani stated, “That’s not the word I would use,” while pledging to “protect Jewish New Yorkers” if elected. Later, he mentioned he would “prevent” others from using the term “intifada.”
Yet, he has consistently criticized Israel’s military actions in its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Most recently, he appeared to empathize with the victims and hostages from the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas.
“Two years ago today, Hamas committed a horrific war crime, killing over 1,100 Israelis and taking another 250 captive,” he posted on X. “I mourn these lives and pray for the safe return of all hostages and for the families devastated by these atrocities.”
However, he also took aim at both the Israeli government and the U.S. government in the same statement.
“In the aftermath of that day, Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Israeli government launched a genocidal war. The death toll has now surpassed 67,000. Israeli forces have bombed homes, hospitals, and schools, leaving them in ruins. Every day in Gaza represents a realm of grief. I mourn these lives and pray for the shattered families. Our government has been complicit in all of that.”
Shortly after, President Donald Trump revealed a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by his administration along with neighboring Arab states, aimed at ending the conflict and securing the release of hostages.
On the following day, the Israeli Foreign Ministry responded to Mamdani’s statement on X, accusing him of promoting Hamas propaganda.
“By echoing Hamas’ assertions, he legitimizes terrorism and normalizes anti-Semitism. He only stands by Jews when they die. Shameful,” the post from the IFM stated.
